Golden Tate, Lions host ‘Shop with a Jock’ for military children in need

December 18th, 2015

TAYLOR, Mich. – The Detroit Lions’ Golden Tate and teammates shopped with some children of military veterans in need Monday night.

“The 2015 Golden Tate Shop with a Jock Holiday Event” partnered children who have had a parent die during battle or a child who has a military parent overseas and won’t be home for Christmas, with Lions players on shopping sprees.

About 45 families were selected with the children each picking out $100 worth of gifts as well as food and games at Walmart in Taylor.

The Detroit Lions’ Golden Tate and teammates shopped with some children of military veterans in need Monday night.

The 2015 Golden Tate Shop with a Jock Holiday Event partnered children who have either had a parent die during battle or a child of a parent who is overseas and won’t be home for Christmas with Lions players on shopping sprees.

About 45 families were selected with the children each picking out $100 worth of gifts as well as food and games.

The little ones were giddy, not only because they are moments from toy shopping, but because they will be filling up their carts with some Lions by their side.

Tate brought a few of his teammates along for the event at the Walmart in Taylor.

Amy Windgaston brought her two boys. Her husband was deployed nine weeks ago.

“They love sports, they love football and they thought it was a good opportunity to come out and have a connection with the players,” she said. “I thought, they can’t have that connection with their dad, why not do it with someone who is a role model.”

Military Families United with the help of the Golden Tate Foundation were able to give each child $100 to shop for almost anything they want. The best part they got to do it with a Detroit Lion player by their side.

“Just to see the looks on their faces and see how appreciative they are,” Tate said. “It’s just fun getting to know them, just enjoying ourselves.”

“We wanted to make sure the children got to know how much they are loved,” said Debbie Elsworth of Military Families United. “We’re all about sending the love. Military Families United, we honor the fallen, we support those who are serving and fighting for our country and we serve their families.”

Like Amirah Goode, who lost her dad eight years ago.

“It means a lot,” she said. “I know that the Lions football team, you know there is everyone around the world who cares about you, and you know you always have someone there for you.”

The holidays can be a tough time, but here for just a little while these kids could concentrate on being kids.

Every aisle you could see plenty of smiles and feel the excitement.

“They’ve said thank you for me playing,” Tate said. “But I’m saying thank you for your parents and you existing.”